Chris Veal

Mike,
Although no car project is ever really “finished,” I completed the original build in spring of ’03. My goal was to produce a vehicle I could drive every day (and I do) in comfort, while maintaining the original appearance. So, no huge tires; no custom rims, no late model steering column/wheel, etc. What it does have is a 330 hp Chevy 350 coupled to a 700R4 with a mid-80’s GMC transfer case. The axles front and rear are from Curry, with 3.71, 9-inch Ford limited slip differentials and disk brakes all around. Steering is a Saginaw power unit.
I can’t remember offhand, how much I’ve purchased from your company, but I can tell you the speedometer unit you see in the interior shot is from Kaiser Willys Auto Supply recently. The temperature unit in the old speedometer cratered. It’s good to know there is a place where “original” parts can still be had.

Chris Veal
Lakehead, CA

Comments

My son and I are starting a restoration on a 1950 Willys Station Wagon and I am looking for information concernint the Ford 9 inch rear you used on your ’62. Did the 9 inch rear bolt right into the leaf springs or did you need to shorten the axles.

I have also read that the V8 conversions could run into cooling challenges. Were you able to get your V8 to run cool enough?

Our plan is to use a Ford drive train and I am just beginning my research on the process. Any additional information you might be able to provide would be greatly appreciated.